After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 100

Zhao Ciying had noticed something slightly odd between Xu Chun and Qin Yao, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine these two would get together so quickly!

In her understanding, Qin Yao might have harbored some affection for Xu Chun just like herself but Xu Chun had always prioritized her career, never rushing to consider marriage. Even though Xu Chun had grown closer to Qin Yao recently, and Qin Yao had been excessively attentive and caring toward her, Zhao Ciying assumed it was all due to Jiang Zhaolie’s meddling.

Zhao Ciying, a seasoned fox who had seen through countless people, could read Jiang Zhaolie’s intentions like an open book. But since Xu Chun had never shown the slightest interest in him, Zhao Ciying dismissed him entirely. In her mind, even if the sky fell or the world ended, Xu Chun would never settle down with someone like Jiang Zhaolie. So, she never gave Jiang Zhaolie’s flattery and efforts a second thought.

Yet now, she had been blindsided.

Turns out, Qin Yao’s enthusiastic support for Xu Chun wasn’t because Jiang Zhaolie had put in a good word, it was because Qin Yao herself had ulterior motives from the start!

And Xu Chun, young and impressionable, was exactly the type to be dazzled by a polished, successful predator like Qin Yao so much so that she’d forget her own name. With Qin Yao’s cunning and experience, and Xu Chun’s naivety, it was only a matter of time before Xu Chun fell into her hands. Once Qin Yao set her sights on something, few could escape her grasp, Xu Chun was no exception.

Now that the pieces had fallen into place, Zhao Ciying was consumed by regret. Who would’ve thought that beneath Qin Yao’s composed, unhurried demeanor, she’d been playing such a sly game? While Zhao Ciying had been buried in work, Qin Yao had managed to excel in both career and love, emerging as the ultimate winner.

The more Zhao Ciying thought about it, the angrier she grew. She cursed inwardly: Qin Yao was just as detestable as that scoundrel Jiang Zhaolie.

By now, rumors of Xu Chun and Qin Yao’s relationship had spread like wildfire. And with Xu Chun’s agency staying silent for so long, there was only one explanation, it was true.

Given Zhao Ciying’s understanding of both women, she knew deep down that this was an unchangeable fact.

Was she angry? Furious. Regretful? Absolutely. Did she feel a pang of loss? Undoubtedly. But she was also acutely aware that nothing she did or said now could alter reality.

Her fingers tapped restlessly against the desk as she quickly weighed the pros and cons.

If she couldn’t change it, she’d have to accept it. After all, she still had decades of collaboration ahead with Qin Yao. Losing a reliable ally over a romantic affair simply wasn’t worth it.

Yet, she couldn’t swallow her resentment.

A sense of betrayal and deception gnawed at her, impossible to ignore.

Especially now that she was alone, her mind was completely consumed by this matter. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and all her emotions reached their peak while waiting for Qin Yao and Xu Chun to return from abroad.

When Xu Chun followed Qin Yao to meet Zhao Ciying, she was extremely nervous. In contrast, Qin Yao was completely composed and at ease. After glancing at Qin Yao for a moment, Xu Chun cleared her throat and straightened her back, lifting her chin after all, if the sky fell, the taller ones would hold it up first.

Qin Yao noticed her subtle movements and gave her a sidelong glance but didn’t call her out.

Xu Chun maintained her forced composure until she met Zhao Ciying’s dagger-like glare. In just one second, she crumbled, immediately surrendering with an enthusiastic dash forward. “Mom!” Her sudden, thunderous shout made Zhao Ciying’s eyelids twitch violently. “Mom, it’s been so long, I’ve missed you to death!”

Zhao Ciying’s expression faltered, and she immediately stepped back to avoid Xu Chun. “Don’t. I can’t handle that.”

“We’re not related, and our relationship isn’t that deep. Calling me ‘Mom’ like that aren’t you overdoing it?” Zhao Ciying sneered. “Besides, if you’re this affectionate with me, someone might get upset.”

She shoved her hands into her pockets. “You two are all lovey-dovey, and here I am, probably just getting in the way.”

The bitterness in her tone was practically palpable. Xu Chun cautiously forced a smile. “Then how about we grab a drink tonight? We won’t stop until you’ve cooled off.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Zhao Ciying said, guarding herself. “If I keep you out drinking and don’t let you go home, someone might get emotional.”

Faced with such a prickly Zhao Ciying, Xu Chun instinctively glanced back at Qin Yao. Qin Yao arched a brow and smiled faintly, as if saying. What’s the deal with this ‘mom’ of yours? We’ll talk about it when we get home.

Xu Chun couldn’t help but shiver. After hesitating between Qin Yao and Zhao Ciying for a moment, she decided to push her luck. “How could that be?”

She reached out to tug Zhao Ciying’s sleeve. “Director Zhao, don’t be angry. It’s not worth ruining your health over.” Xu Chun’s smile was so stiff her face ached. “We should vent our frustrations holding it in can lead to breast hyperplasia. How about this? Tonight’s on me, and we’ll clear the air.”

Without giving Zhao Ciying a chance to refuse, she dragged her out.

As they passed Qin Yao, Xu Chun made sure to be fair, she pulled her along too. Holding onto both of them, Xu Chun struggled at first, but within a few steps, the two women strode ahead, flipping the situation entirely. Now, she was the small, pitiful, and helpless one, nearly stumbling as Qin Yao and Zhao Ciying practically carried her between them.

Xu Chun: “…” Complicated feelings.

Being tall doesn’t make you special.

Ignoring the strange looks from passersby, Xu Chun steeled herself and sat down, quickly summoning a waiter to order food and drinks in one go.

Zhao Ciying was genuinely irritated and didn’t refuse, downing a glass immediately. Xu Chun raised her own glass, but before she could drink, Zhao Ciying stopped her. “Cut it out. You just recovered from your injuries, do you want to end up in the ER again?”

As soon as she finished speaking, she stopped Qin Yao from picking up her cup again. “And you too.”

“If either of you ends up with health problems from drinking with me, I can’t take that responsibility,” she said expressionlessly. Xu Chun, thinking she was showing concern, felt touched and was about to thank her when Zhao Ciying added sarcastically, “After all, you two are celebrities. Not like me just a small-time businesswoman with a bit of money, but certainly not enough to cover hefty compensation or endure the internet’s wrath.”

Xu Chun: “…” Headache.

Qin Yao lowered her eyes and waited for Zhao Ciying to finish her performance before calmly stating, “I’m drinking water.”

Zhao Ciying: “……”

She quickly withdrew her hand and glared at Qin Yao viciously. Fine, keep drinking. Once you drink yourself to death, I’ll take your little girlfriend for myself and seize your inheritance. What a sweet deal.

Talk about winning at life.

Zhao Ciying pondered this and inexplicably grew a little excited.

But looking at Qin Yao’s current state, she’d probably live to ninety-nine. At this thought, Zhao Ciying grew even more resentful. Damn you, Qin Yao and Xu Chun, playing me like a fiddle.

Zhao Ciying dug in her heels, remaining unappeased throughout the meal. Xu Chun stuck close to Qin Yao, resigned to trying again later. After all, she owed Zhao Ciying her life it was only right to put in the effort to make amends.

Little did she know, those efforts would stretch on for years. Years passed, and Zhao Ciying still hadn’t cooled off. Not only that, but the way she looked at Xu Chun had grown increasingly peculiar.

After another accidental meeting of eyes, Xu Chun: “?”

Just tell me what you want already. You’re creeping me out, I can’t even sleep properly.

It wasn’t just Xu Chun who felt this way. Qin Yao noticed it too. At first, she thought Zhao Ciying was just in a mood, but after some time, she realized there might be more to it.

After subtly observing Zhao Ciying’s behavior for a while, Qin Yao finally pieced together the truth was this woman still scheming to take everything for herself after Qin Yao’s death, just like in their past life?

While Qin Yao studied her with narrowed eyes, Zhao Ciying happened to glance over and immediately tensed. Had her thoughts been discovered?

Putting on a show of confusion, she raised an eyebrow. “What?”

Qin Yao shook her head. “Nothing.”

Only then did Zhao Ciying relax. Surely Qin Yao couldn’t possibly guess her true intentions. Comforted, she grew even bolder, not bothering to hide her anticipation.

But to Qin Yao, this only confirmed her suspicions.

Qin Yao felt a complicated mix of emotions. It seemed no matter which life they were in, Zhao Ciying was always waiting to reap the benefits and come out on top. Whether she’d succeeded last time, Qin Yao didn’t know, but this time, she wouldn’t get the chance.

Qin Yao had fully recovered, and with her daily exercise routine, her health was better than ever.

And so, the two of them continued their little games, each with their own agenda until one year, on Qin Yao’s birthday, Zhao Ciying gazed at her robust physique and let out a melancholic sigh.

After dinner, Qin Yao found an opportunity to lead Zhao Ciying to the deserted balcony and casually remarked, “Stop deluding yourself.” She tilted her head to look at Zhao Ciying. “I’m in excellent health living to a hundred won’t be a problem.”

Zhao Ciying: “?”

Had she seen through her little scheme? That shouldn’t be possible. Most people wouldn’t think that far ahead.

Besides, normal people generally wouldn’t imagine all the possible scenarios after their own death, right? Wait, Zhao Ciying’s thoughts paused. Qin Yao wasn’t normal.

Since she’d been found out, Zhao Ciying didn’t bother hiding it. “That’s not necessarily true. We’ll see.”

Qin Yao studied her for a long moment before smiling faintly. “Fine.”

Who would outlast whom? That really wasn’t set in stone.

Under the two women’s unspoken rivalry, Xu Chun noticed that Qin Yao and Zhao Ciying had started exercising with increasing frequency. Not that it was a bad thing, but…

Anything taken to extremes would inevitably take a toll on the body.

Xu Chun smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Thanks to Qin Yao’s daily training, her figure had been maintained exceptionally well.

Brave smile.jpg

Zhao Ciying waited for decades. Watching Qin Yao still full of vigor, she grew increasingly frustrated. Damn it! If she’d known, she wouldn’t have competed with this woman!

“May you two live happily together till old age,” she snapped at Qin Yao on yet another birthday before glaring at Xu Chun twice.

Xu Chun: “?” Unwarranted hostility.

Still, thanks for the blessing.

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